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Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
Related NINDS Publications and Information
Additional resources from MEDLINEplus
What is Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease characterized in the brain by abnormal clumps (amyloid plaques) and tangled bundles of fibers (neurofibrillary tangles) composed of misplaced proteins. Age is the most important risk factor for AD; the number of people with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65. Three genes have been discovered that cause early onset (familial) AD. Other genetic mutations that cause excessive accumulation of amyloid protein are associated with age-related (sporadic) AD. Symptoms of AD include memory loss, language deterioration, impaired ability to mentally manipulate visual information, poor judgment, confusion, restlessness, and mood swings. Eventually AD destroys cognition, personality, and the ability to function. The early symptoms of AD, which include forgetfulness and loss of concentration, are often missed because they resemble natural signs of aging.Is there any treatment?
There is no cure for AD and no way to slow the progression of the disease. For some people in the early or middle stages of AD, medication such as tacrine (Cognex) may alleviate some cognitive symptoms. Donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Reminyl) may keep some symptoms from becoming worse for a limited time. A fifth drug, memantine (Namenda), was recently approved for use in the United States. Combining memantine with other AD drugs may be more effective than any single therapy. One controlled clinical trial found that patients receiving donepezil plus memantine had better cognition and other functions than patients receiving donepezil alone. Also, other medications may help control behavioral symptoms such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety, and depression.
What is the prognosis?
AD is a progressive disease, but its course can vary from 5 to 20 years. The most common cause of death in AD patients is infection.
What research is being done?
The NINDS conducts and supports research on neurodegenerative and dementing disorders, including AD. Scientists are currently studying or testing different types of drugs and other substances to determine if they can stop AD progression, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), statins (such as those used for lowering cholesterol), folic acid, gingko biloba, and vitamins E, B6, and B12. Studies in basic science are also exploring the potential of vaccines. The National Institute on Aging and the National Institute of Mental Health also support research related to AD
Select this link to view a list of all studies currently seeking patients.
OrganizationsAlzheimer's Disease Education
and Referral Center (ADEAR)
P.O. Box 8250
Silver Spring, MD
20907-8250
adear@alzheimers.org
http://www.alzheimers.org
Tel: 301-495-3311
800-438-4380
Fax: 301-495-3334
Alzheimer's Association
225 North Michigan Avenue
17th Floor
Chicago, IL
60601-7633
info@alz.org
http://www.alz.org
Tel: 312-335-8700
800-272-3900
Fax: 312-335-1110
John Douglas French Alzheimer's Foundation
11620 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 270
Los Angeles, CA
90025
jdfaf@earthlink.net
http://www.jdfaf.org
Tel: 310-445-4650
800-477-2243
Fax: 310-479-0516
Family Caregiver Alliance
690 Market Street
Suite 600
San Francisco, CA
94104
info@caregiver.org
http://www.caregiver.org
Tel: 415-434-3388
800-445-8106
Fax: 415-434-3508
American Health Assistance Foundation
22512 Gateway Center Drive
Clarksburg, MD
20871
info@ahaf.org
http://www.ahaf.org
Tel: 301-948-3244
800-437-AHAF (2423)
Fax: 301-258-9454
C-Mac Informational Services/Caregiver News
[For Alzheimer's Type Dementia Caregivers]
271 Cedar Lane
East Meadow, NY
11554-2720
caregiver_cmi@hotmail.com
http://www.caregivernews.org
Tel: 516-481-6682
Fax: 516-486-7820
Related NINDS Publications and InformationThe Dementias: Hope Through Research
Information booklet about Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and other types of dementia compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Multi-Infarct Dementia
Multi-infarct dementia information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Dementia With Lewy Bodies
Dementia With Lewy Bodies information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Fact Sheet: Myoclonus
Myoclonus fact sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Fact Sheet: Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) fact sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
NINDS Seeks Patients With Alzheimer's Disease
Lay-language descriptions of new program announcements and clinical trials seeking patient volunteers.
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
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